Ryan was always at quidditch practice, rain or shine, he came. The captain and Marcus laughed, that they had to drag the other players out of bed, but not Ryan. Marcus wasn't captain yet, but he was on the fast track, even though he was only a fourth year. He was dedicated to the sport, he was hoping to play professional one day, and he was one of the best chasers out there. He had his heart set on beating the lions for a second year. He also had every intention of getting Ryan back on a broom, and making him seeker, for next year. Ryan was dead set against it; he had refused to even mount a broom since he had the accident in his first flying class. The snakes had won their first game, but unlike the usual set up, they had played Ravenclaw instead of Gryffindor. The usual Gryffindor game would be after Christmas.

Christmas holidays approached and the kids were all excited. Very few stayed during the holidays, sometimes none actually. The Weasleys were meant to, as their parents and sister had gone to Romania. The twins though had been spared it by Ryan.

Fred had a huge grin the day they were leaving. "I am so happy we get to leave this place."

Draco smirked. "You may change your mind when you spend quality time with Ryan's grandmother."

George shook his head. "Better her than Ron. And she can't really be that bad can she?"

Draco looked at his cousin. "She is, isn't she?"

Fred noticed Ryan hadn't responded at all. "Hey kiddo, where did you go?"

Ryan turned to look at them. "Sorry. What did you say?"

Draco was a bit worried. "I wanted confirmation I am not exaggerating on your grandmother."

Ryan nodded. "She earned the nickname dragon lady for a reason."

George whispered to Draco. "What's up with him? He looks as depressed as Ron and Hector."

Draco sighed. "The Krums are coming to town. His dads are meeting him at the train station, and taking him to meet them."

Fred understood. "He is still worried?"

Draco shrugged. "I know Viktor, he is so cool. I am sure Ryan will like them if he gives them a chance."

George put an arm around Ryan. "A few weeks without the prat, to work on some pranks with him."

Ryan smiled a little. "I can't believe he is spending Christmas at school."

Hector had been sure, and bragging to everyone, he was going on some amazing trip. He had even told Ron he would be able to come. It turns out when his parents hinted he would not be at the manor for the holiday, they didn't mean a vacation after all. They had meant he would remain at school, so he could do his extra training, which meant Ron would be there too. They had promised, if he did his training well, they may go away for a few days before the start of next term. Ron was no more happy that he was, especially when he learned the twins weren't staying. The whole Black family would be at Black manor for the holidays. Ryan and his dads would spend a few days at their home, but the twins would go with Draco and his parents, to their manor. Ryan always had some alone time with his dads on the holidays.

The train ride, Ryan's spirits picked up a bit, but he wasn't his usual self. They distracted him the best they could, with talk of new pranks, and playing games of chess as well. It all came back, when Ryan found his Dad waiting for him.

Regulus took his son into his arms. "Ready to go prince? We will see the others at the manor soon."

Ryan nodded a bit. "I guess."

Draco reminded him. "Viktor is cool. I am sure you'll like him. He'll be your second coolest cousin."

Regulus reminded his son, Lucius there for the other boys. "They will just visit today. If you're not comfortable, they'll back off for now."

Ryan was apparated by his dad to their house in London. "I know."

Regulus kissed his head. "You know he won't take you from us. And you got to know Uncle Horace, you have become close."

Ryan nodded. "But he and Papa were close. He is my professor too, I know him."

Regulus saw Horace in the door of the house as they went up. "And Draco reminded you, he has known the Krums for years."

Horace smiled when they got up to the top. "Your Uncle and his family are inside. They are anxious to meet you finally."

Ryan looked a bit nervous but he didn't want them to think him a baby. "Okay."

Regulus turned to Horace. "I hope you got our invitation. You're welcome to join us for Christmas."

Horace nodded. "I am not needed as a chaperone this year. But we'll see how today goes."

Part of Regulus wasn't sure about this. He could see how upset his son was, and these people weren't even his family. But Ryan didn't know he was adopted, and Regulus had no intention of his son knowing. It wasn't just about the danger, though it was a big part, it would hurt his son. The Krums were wonderful people, and they had been happy to help protect Ryan. They knew Albus would be suspicious, if they didn't come to at least meet with Ryan, and thought Christmas was right. If Ryan was okay, the family would come to the manor later.

Borden Krum, his wife Nadia and their son Viktor were in the sitting room. Viktor was only fourteen, but he was already such a top quidditch player, he was likely to be professional in a year or so. Even Viktor knew the truth about the kid, but was happy to be part.

Horace motioned Borden over. "Borden may I introduce your nephew Ryan, and his dad Regulus. Ryan this is your Uncle Borden."

Ryan looked a bit nervous still. "Hi sir."

Borden smiled. "Hello. You know your Uncle has told me a lot about you. Especially about your love and skill for potions."

Horace saw Ryan's look. "I am sure you will one day be a potions master like your Papa."

Borden motioned his wife and son over. "This is your Aunt Nadia, and your cousin Viktor."

Ryan looked at Viktor. "Draco told me about you. He said you helped teach him how to fly."

Viktor nodded. "I did. And he told me about you. You know between the two of us, we'll get you back on a broom."

Regulus laughed from the look on his son, and told Viktor. "You're not winning any favors with that Viktor."

Borden handed Ryan a gift. "I wasn't certain we'd see you at Christmas."

Ryan looked down and after a moment, handed it back. "Maybe you could give it to me on Christmas instead."

Borden was happy to keep it for now. He may not be his nephew, but Borden was happy to help. Like his Uncle, he felt guilty sometimes, that he hadn't helped his sister more. He had barely known her, she had gone to England for years before she died, and he had been at school before that. But he could do right by this boy, even if not her son, and he was okay with the plan.

He looked to Regulus when they were about to go. "You can count on any help with Albus. Perhaps we can use this, to get more information."


Christmas had been a bit of an odd occasion to say the least. Wallburga was not an issue; she spent most of the time, in her own rooms. She did come out from time to time. She didn't mind the twins being there, they didn't come from money of any kind, they were old blood at least. The real shock, was not the twins, but the non-family members. The Krums and the twins were not the only ones there, and the Krums were thought family, and the twins were distant. For the first time ever, Remus had come with Sirius, and not just for dinner. Sirius had told his mother, under no uncertain terms, that he and Remus would be together. And against all belief, he had been invited to spend the entire holiday there. Remus had been working with Regulus now for several years. He was a full partner in the muggle side of the business, but Orion had also hired him, and he wrote the charms and runes text books now. He lived with Sirius, and had his family cottage, but he now could have afforded a place of his own.

As they headed back for school, Ryan was feeling better. He was u bit confused, but his Uncle Borden had come to school, with Horace too. He was happy, that Remus had come to Christmas, and was sure his Uncle would soon marry. He tried to focus on that.

Ryan was surprised on the train back when they ran into Hector. "What are you doing on here?"

Fred who was with him agreed. "So bored from school, you took the train back and forth."

Hector sneered. "You wish. My parents took Ron and I to Aruba for the holidays."

Ron beamed from next to Hector. "It was incredible. We even swam with the dolphins."

George shook his head. "Poor dolphins. They better check them for parasites."

Hector shook his head. "Just jealous. You had to spend the holiday at the dreary manor."

Ryan looked at Ron. "Good thing you are burned as red as your hair, or we may not believe. We all saw you stay at school."

Ron went even redder than his hair. "We may have stayed at school but it was awesome. We saw the coolest thing."

Draco went to lead his cousin off. "Yeah, sure you did."

Hector called as they went off. "You have no idea, but you will."

Ron called before Hector elbowed him to shut up. "And you will regret all you have done."

Back in their compartment Fred shook his head. "He only wishes."

They laughed, as they went back to their food, and games. Ryan had never been to Aruba, but he had traveled, and swam with the dolphins. His trip to California had been his only trip to that side of the world, but they traveled Europe. He had got a chance to talk to Uncle Borden, and he liked the man, and his cousin Viktor. The Krums had invited them to come visit in Bulgaria that summer. Ryan was okay with it, as long as his dad came with him, he was trusting finally that the man wasn't trying to take him.

His good mood ended, when they got back to the castle, and Professor McGonagall was waiting for him. She was meant to escort him up to the headmaster's office, but she wouldn't tell him why. He shared a look with his friends, as he was being lead off.

He was surprised when he found both of his Uncles, well his maternal Uncles, up there. "You wanted to see me."

Borden motioned him to sit. "The headmaster asked me to come to school, to speak about you."

Albus smiled. "I told you earlier this year your Uncle was coming. I wanted you to have a chance to…."

Ryan cut in. "I met Uncle Borden and my Aunt and cousin already sir. They met me in London."

Borden was relieved, Ryan had been told not to disclose they were at the manor. "Horace of course arranged for us to meet."

Albus simmered a bit. He had planned to have some control over this. "I wasn't aware."

Borden shrugged. "Horace let me know the plans. I was happy to have lunch with him."

Albus poured some tea. "I was sure when you came and met your nephew, you'd want to have more contact."

Borden agreed. "I hadn't seen my sister in years, but I'd like to ensure her son is well."

Albus passed him a cup. "I thought perhaps I could offer to tutor Ryan. Then perhaps I could give you updates and…."

Horace spoke up. "Ryan is already busy enough. He will be working with myself in my lab."

Ryan nodded. "I like potions. And he taught Papa."

Borden cut in before Albus responded. "My nephew seems to have an interest. But I'd appreciate if you keep an eye on him for me."

Albus smiled and offered him some biscuits. "Of course. I know how hard it must be to have him away."

Borden agreed. "I have family and my life in Bulgaria. I wish perhaps I was closer."

Albus thought. "Have you considered perhaps Durmstang? I know your own son is there."

Ryan went pale. "This is my school and my home."

Borden answered. "I see no need for him to change schools, he will get a top education here. His fathers of course have the decision."

Albus quietly said. "As his mother's family, I am certain you'd have some say."

Borden sipped his tea. "As long as I know Ryan is safe and happy here, he will remain. I'll trust you and Horace to keep me updated."

Albus of course assured him of that. When they were able to leave, Borden came with them to the dungeons, to speak to Ryan. He assured his nephew the meeting had meant nothing. He wouldn't ever think of making Ryan change schools, or taking him from his dads either. He just wanted Albus to think that he may be an ally for him. It would be harder to convince, since he knew Borden and Lucius were friends.

Albus watched them leave, and hoped even with Lucius in the picture, this may work. His own plan was set in action, he had shown Hector the mirror, and now it was up to the boy. He hoped perhaps it would be the push Borden needed, if nothing else.

Ryan was with his friends in time for dinner but on his way out of the hall he noticed. "I can't find my astronomy ball."

Draco looked at him. "I am sure it is in our rooms."

Ryan wasn't so sure. "I thought I had it on me from the train."

Blaise put a hand on his arm. "You were so distracted. You know you would never lose it."

Ryan hoped they were right. "Grandsire would be angry if I lost it. It cost a lot."

Draco shook his head. "I am sure you will find it soon."

Ryan went with his friends down to their rooms. He spent most of the evening, before they went to bed, looking for it. Draco wasn't worried, he thought Ryan may have left it at home, or someone would turn it in. Draco didn't really understand, it wasn't like it was a broom, or something. He didn't really get why his cousin thought that the thing was as cool as he did. He thought the class was boring. Ryan didn't want to tell his grandsire it may be lost, so he called one of their house elves, and asked him to look.

Ryan crawled into bed. "I have to find it. I can't have lost it, I can't."


In the morning Ryan was up as early as he usually was. He was not up for practice though, or just practice alone. He was already awake, sorting through his things, when his house elf had come from home. The elf had told him, he and all the other house elves at the manor and home, had looked everywhere. Even Kreacher, who liked Ryan at least over Sirius, had looked at Grimmauld as he had visited his Uncles one day too. They couldn't find the ball anywhere. Ryan had known they wouldn't find it, he knew he had brought it, and he was upset.

Draco had gone to take a shower. He had noticed his cousin was awake, which was not unusual of course, but was surprised Ryan was still in the room when he got back. Ryan was usually in the common room waiting for them.

Draco watched him. "What are you doing?"

Ryan didn't look up. "I have to find it."

Draco shook his head. "It is at the manor."

Ryan looked up. "It's not. I had the elves check."

Draco shook his head. "Ryan we have to go."

Ryan was not standing. "Grandsire will be so upset if I lost it. He had it made especially for me."

Blaise had woken up as had the others. "We will help find it."

Marcus had appeared in the door. "Come on, practice."

Draco looked at Ryan. "Come on Ryan, its quidditch. We'll find the stupid ball soon."

Blaise saw the hurt look. "We'll look while you're at practice. We promise to help find it."

Ryan saw the other two nod and sent a grateful look. "Thanks."

Blaise shook his head, he knew Draco could be a bit self-centered at times, but when it came to Ryan he was usually better. Ryan was always helping everyone else, and was such a good kid, even the older kids helped him all the time. Draco didn't seem to understand, because it wasn't some fancy broom, how special it was. Blaise didn't really understand Ryan's love for the stars, but he did understand how special the ball was. It wasn't just it was custom made, or for his favorite subject, but because of whom it was from.

Ryan came down to the stands, and he tried to focus on practice. He remained out in the stands, when the team went to change, they would come out for the pep talk when they were done. He usually stayed out, even in the cooler months.

Marcus looked at Draco when he noticed Ryan was upset. "What's wrong with him?"

Draco shrugged. "Worried about some class."

Marcus saw the pained look that crossed Ryan's face when he heard Draco. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Ryan nodded. "Quidditch is more important."

He was watching practice when the twins appeared. Fred plopped down next to him. "Hey kiddo, what's with the long face?"

Ryan sighed. "My astronomy ball is still missing. I had the elves check at home, and they couldn't find it."

George put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey you know we will help."

Ryan shook his head. "Like Draco said, it is just a dumb ball."

Fred smirked. "He has more in common sometimes with our brother, than we thought."

George piped up. "You know Draco can be single minded, but he didn't mean it. We will all help."

The twins shared a look, Draco was usually a good kid, but they were sharing the same thoughts as Blaise. They had to wonder what happened to the ball, and had some bad feelings about it. Ryan was always so careful with everything, and with something so special, he'd be extra careful. But they didn't want Ryan to be any more worried than he already seemed to be.

Ryan was watching when the snitch had been released. "It seems to be acting odd."

Fred agreed. "Madam Hooch may want to check the spell on it. That snitch is acting odd."

George pointed as Draco was playing the seeker for practice. "It looks like it is going to crash."

Sure enough it did and it smashed on the ground. Marcus called. "What the hell? These things are not made out of glass."

Draco watched as Ryan made it to the grass. "Look some spell is wearing off. It looks like some rememberall or something."

Ryan dropped to his knees. "My astronomy ball, it's my astronomy ball."

Draco watched as Ryan tried to pick it up. "Leave it Ryan, its junk now. I am sure your grandsire will get you a new one."

Ryan looked up with a shard of glass in his hand, but before he said anything, he stumbled to his feet and fled. Draco found the entire team, as well as the twins, staring daggers at him from his words. He was already feeling bad, from the tears on his cousin, and from his own words. He hadn't really meant what he said, and it wasn't just fear of being hexed, saying that.

Fred went to follow Ryan but called to Draco. "You really can be a jerk. You better not have had anything to do with it."

An: So any who read the original, the next few chapters will definitely be different. The plot has stuck close to the original, but what happens with Ryan here, will reflect the stronger character, and his magic. It will definitely be different.

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